5 Must See Attractions When Visiting Spain's Capital!

Barcelona is an extraordinary city with a history being one of the oldest in europe and home to some of the biggest names in modern art and architecture. Barcelona is a beautiful and welcoming city where you can explore the culture and become apart of the liveliness. Here’s a list of the must see attractions of Barcelona.

Barceloneta

If you're looking to relax in the sun ‘The Barceloneta’ is one of Barcelona’s best loved beaches, located in the traditional fishing district; there is an amazing range of seafood and spanish cuisine such as ‘Tapas’. It has been voted the best city beach in the world by National Geographic, making this beach a definite on the must see attractions list!

(Photo courtesy of Barcelona Tourist Guide )

Aquarium Barcelona

L’Aquàrium de Barcelona is the largest Mediterranean themed aquarium in the world and the largest aquarium in Europe. Its home to 35 aquariums, 11,000 animals and more than 450 different species including sharks! One of the aquariums best features is its 80 meter long underwater tunnel which gives you the experience of walking on the seabed as different fish swim above you. The aquarium is fun for families and people of all ages and is an experience that is unforgettable.

 

(Photo courtesy of Aquarium)

La Rambla

If you're looking for a bit of festivity ‘La Rambla’ is the most famous street in barcelona and a popular attraction for tourist and locals. You will find the beating heart of Barcelona if you visit here with rows of kiosks, flower stalls and a variety of extraordinary street performers which really make the city come to life! Although the rambla is one continuous street, it is split up into 5 different parts or ‘ramblas’; this is to remember the original buildings that once stood there which were demolished.

(Photo courtesy of Barcelona Tourist Guide)

Magic fountain of Montjuïc

If you want to witness the closest thing to magic then look no further than the combination of lights, music and water, which creates a truly spectacular site. Font Màgica (as its known in spain) is Barcelona’s largest ornamental fountain which offers a beautiful display of music, water acrobatics and lights, which have a range of 50 shades and hues. The fountain was designed by Carles Buigas and built by over 3000 workers in less than a year and its first performance was during the Great Universal Exhibition in 1929.

 

(Photo courtesy of Barcelona Turisme)

Sagrada Familia 

The Sagrada Familia is an architectural masterpiece designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi and is one of the most popular tourist sites in the world. The construction of the building started in 1882 and is predicted to be finished in 2026 on the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death. The sheer beauty of the building and its intricate detailed interior and exterior make this a must see when visiting Barcelona.

(Photo courtesy of Barcelona Home)

So when looking into cheap last minute holidays to escape somewhere hot, make sure that you make the capital of Spain is on the top of your list.

Booking Holidays In Advance VS Last Minute Holidays

As days get warmer and lighter, we are reminded that spring and even more importantly summer is just around the corner! This is great news; especially for those who suffer with seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D), as let’s face it on a whole everyone tends to be in a better mood when the sun is out!

Whilst most are happy to welcome summer, some of us can start to worry, as it’s about time to look into holidays. Our bank balance may have just recovered from Christmas and the last think we want to do is spend yet more of how hard earned cash on an expensive holiday.

Don’t fret! This article will look into how to bag cheap holidays and what is better; booking in advance or leaving holidays last minute?

In Advance

It is a known fact that discount holidays can be bagged by booking way in advance. This is okay for those who are organised and have known for some time where and when they want to go. We all know the saying goes, “the early bird catches the worm” and the earlier we can book a holiday the cheaper the flights and accommodation will be.

Last Minute

However, there is an alternative option for those of us who are not this organised or like to be more spontaneous. Moreover, some of us have a hectic lifestyle, where finding a discount holiday is the last thing on the list of priorities. We would much prefer to look into holidays when a long weekend or week becomes free in our schedule. This is where last minute holidays deals come in.

Flights

It is a crazy fact, but any airline will charge up to 15 different prices for the same seat! But, did you also know that as the departure date becomes closer, airlines will drop prices, in order to fill seats. For the best price, look 21 days before the departure date, at this point an airline will take stock of empty seats and thus lower prices. Once one company has done this, the others will then follow like sheep!

Did you also know that Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the cheapest days to fly, whereas Friday and Sundays tend to be the most expensive?

You may get annoyed with your inbox filling up with email after email, but why not sign up to an airlines newsletter? This way you will be constantly updated with latest deals and offers.

 

Hotels

To grab a great hotel deal, the best thing to do is book the day before you arrive. Now, this may set off alarm bells for some people, as this may be a little too spontaneous. Leaving it this late may not be ideal, as quite a few people will have the same idea and thus rooms will quickly be snapped up (especially if it is a popular hotel). There is an alternative. Hotels are generally cheaper when it is off peak or if you arrive in the midweek rather than the weekend. Have a look into this.

If you can only arrive on the weekend, you could look into corporate hotels. Weekends will be their quietest periods and will have reduced rates to fill rooms. 

If you are really leaving it last minute and plan on arriving in the next three days, why not ring the hotel directly and see what they can offer you?

Travel Comparison Websites

When looking for holidays last minute, it can be a headache knowing where to start. There are so many travel agents out there and you will have holiday deals coming at you in every direction! Before you end up having a nervous break-down, breathe and use a travel comparison website. They do the hard work for you and will find you the best possible deal that is last minute. Fill in the form to tailor your holiday and then click search! They will be put into one handy place for you.